Quality Assurance Policies Research Articles

European Public Health News * President's column * EUPHA office--Active ageing and rejuvenating * Message from the Regional Director--'Scaling up activities for Roma health' * Evaluation and follow-up of the response to pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 by the European Commission * Obituary Barbara Starfield * European Public Health Conference

In this last European public health news of 2011, we inform you on the quality of health care in the century of the patient (President's column), EUPHA's active ageing and rejuvenating (office), WHO/EURO's scaling up activities for Roma Health and the EU evaluation of the flu pandemic in 2009. We have also included an obituary for Barbara Stanfield and of course, we are updating you on the 2012 EPH conference (Malta 2012). # President's column {#article-title-2} While no policy-maker or health professional would ever refrain from confirming their support to initiatives aimed to ensure and increase quality in health care, a shared definition of what we actually mean by quality does not exist. Different European countries and, within them, different institutions and interventions confer on this word a variety of meanings, which need to be carefully taken into account as we consider what quality assurance policies are currently adopted. The most widely accepted definition of ‘quality’ is the one given by the Institute of Medicine in the USA in 1990, which reads as follows: ‘the degree to which health services for individuals and populations increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge’) (IOM, 1990). It is remarkable that this definition mentions both individuals and populations as the addressees of health services, and, above all, that their ‘desires’ are mentioned, which reflect acknowledgement of the central role played by the values and the expectations of those interested and involved in the performance of the health system. While this definition is carefully designed, attempts to implement and pursue the notion of quality in practice require it to be broken down into components more liable to be referred to visible actors and activities—the so-called dimensions of quality. Quality is variably considered to include effectiveness , the ability of a certain care …

Quality assurance in Asian distance education: Diverse approaches and common culture

With the phenomenal expansion of distance education in Asia during the past three decades, there has been growing public demand for quality and accountability in distance education. This study investigates the national quality assurance systems for distance education at the higher education level in Asia with the aim of contributing to a better understanding of the current level of development of quality assurance in Asian distance education and to offer potential directions for policy makers when developing and elaborating quality assurance systems for distance education. The analysis of the existing quality assurance frameworks in the 11 countries/territories selected reveals that the level of quality assurance policy integration in the overall national quality assurance in higher education policy framework varies considerably. The purpose of quality assurance, policy frameworks, methods, and instruments in place are generally tailored to each country’s particular circumstances. There are, however, obvious commonalities that underpin these different quality assurance efforts. <br /><br />

20 Years of Efforts to Establish and Implement a Quality Assurance System in Greek Higher Education

The establishment and implementation of a quality assurance system in Greek universities is a policy theme that alwaysreinforced the conflict in the specific policy arena. Policy document analysis is used for the analysis of the efforts on producing andimplementing such policies. Relevant data is drawn by a larger scale research, in which, higher education is considered as a policy arenawhere actors form networks that try to translate their common beliefs into public policy. Paper’s hypothesis is that quality assurancepolicies in Greek universities are being developed following and in agreement with corresponding European education policies since Greeceis both an EU member and a participant on Bologna process. Although these external influences result the establishment of relative toEuropean developments legislative framework, Greek governments face hindrances during implementation of these policies. To overcomethe intense and reactions they indirectly prompt evaluation of universities by various, not institutionalized, evaluation programs.

Managing a Biobank Network

Today's biomedical research of excellence is mainly seen as a global phenomenon around the study of large series of samples organized with well-defined and detailed criteria regarding the identification of patients, with the specific information required in each case. This justifies the growing interest in developing cooperative networks of biobanks to minimize biases arising from heterogeneity in the quality of biological samples by means of protocols for procedures, development of common quality assurance policies, and promotion of collaborative environments. This article focuses on some basic aspects of biobank networking, including design and management. It does not try to be an exhaustive analysis but a preliminary approach to the topic, based on the author's expertise in biobank networking in Spain.

Quality Assurance of Egyptian Higher Education: A Policy Transfer Perspective

A higher education is considered the source of opportunities and prosperity in all countries all over the world; also it is vital for competitiveness in the increasingly globalizing knowledge society Egyptian higher education, at the beginning of the new millennium, faces unprecedented challenges: not only is the demand for access unstoppable, but also higher education (HE) is recognized as a key force for modernization and development. Discussions of policy diffusion and transfer have primarily focused on official actors, and networks of the political and economical sectors. Policy transfer in HE sector, especially quality assurance (QA) policy, in national departments and nongovernmental organizations, is a relatively neglected dimension. Accordingly, this paper addresses a brief history of QA and accreditation policy of HE in Egypt, which we divide simply into main distinct phases; the Quality Assurance and Accreditation (QAAP) Phase, and the Program of Continuous Improvement and Qualifying for Accreditation (PCIQA). We also address how the Egyptian QA and accreditation life cycle is developing from the policy transfer perspective. This cycle we divide into two main stages according to the process; the QA formulation and setting stage, and the implementation stage. In the last section of our paper, we present a theoretical actor model of QA policy transfer. Based on our suggested model, we argue that both the Egyptian policy-setting and formulation, and implementation stages of QA and accreditation policy are strongly influenced by several actors, channels, of transfer; global, international, regional, and national channels.

Empirical Determination of Property Assets Management Styles in South-Western Nigeria Hotels

A survey was conducted on probabilistically determined 57 hotels of various ‘stars’ in South-Western geo-political zone of Nigeria. The study investigates hotels’ property assets management styles with a view to fashioning out appropriate management methodology and develop an integrated resource management framework. Data were collected from hotel organizations’ management, general managers, staff and customers. Information obtained was complemented by the physical assessment of hotel structures and system operations. Stratified sampling technique backed by cluster sampling was used. Descriptive statistics was employed for statistical analysis. Findings showed that maintenance management predominates in the industry while facilities management is just filtering in with emphasis on facilities benchmarking. Property management is not favoured at all. The study recommends that Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation should develop a framework for quality assurance policy improvement among hotels in Nigeria. By so doing, hotel management companies and intending property development and management companies would be guided and buoyed into doing things beyond benchmarking.

Safety in the preparation of cytotoxic drugs: How to integrate gravimetric control in the quality assurance policy?

Purpose We present the way to integrate gravimetric control (GC) in a centralized preparation of cytotoxic drugs unit. Two different modalities are described. In the first strategy, the balance is located inside the isolator, whereas in the second, it is located outside in order to remove many technical and ergonomic constraints. These two modalities are compared in terms of benefits and limits. Methods GC consists in comparing the observed weight variation with the expected weight variation using a precision balance. According to the B-in strategy, this variation is directly attributable to the weight of the cytotoxic solution injected, whereas with the B-out strategy, the weight of various additional components must be taken into account. Results Five hundred and seventy-seven preparations have been weighed. For “B-in” strategy, the 95% confidence interval is [1.02–1.14%] and every preparation is below the threshold of 5%. For “B-out” strategy, the 95% confidence interval is [2.34–2.63%] and 94% of preparations are below the threshold of 5%. B-in strategy is distinctly more precise than B-out strategy and can be applied to all preparations. However, B-out strategy is a feasible option in practice and enables the detection of an important mistake. All in all, results obtained from B-out strategy can be considered as a quality indicator in the production line. Conclusion Results of GC are helpful in the final step of release, which the pharmacist is responsible for. Many contributions in the quality assurance policy could justify using of GC in every unit.

Coordinating a supply chain with a quality assurance policy via a revenue-sharing contract

This paper explores coordination of a (global) supply chain consisting of one manufacturer and one retailer via a revenue-sharing contract, where a product quality assurance policy is provided and the utility of consumer is sensitive to product (physical) quality, service quality (i.e., reciprocal of delivery lead-time) and retail price. We assume that the supply chain operates in a make-to-order (MTO) environment and a defective product is returned to the manufacturer for remanufacturing free. We give the optimal service quality and pricing decisions of the decentralised supply chain, its coordination mechanism and the Pareto condition of coordination mechanism. In the decentralised setting, although a higher defective rate of the final product implies a higher cost for the manufacturer, the optimal service quality first decreases and then increases and the optimal retail price decreases as the defective rate increases, which differs from the effects of the unit remanufacturing cost due to the service reliability constraint and the effects of the defective rate on the market scale and lead-time sensitivity; when the supply chain is coordinated, comparing to the traditional models without considering service quality, the manufacturer charges the retailer a higher unit wholesale price. The effect of the defective rate on the Pareto range of coordination mechanism is inconsistent with that of the unit production cost because the defective rate directly influences the demand rate.

Higher education in Libya, system under stress

There have been few studies conducted on the problems facing higher education system in Libya. Recent research has shown that there is a significant gap in higher education levels. This means, there is an urgent need to address this by filling this gap, research focused the problem show that, the gap can be blamed on changes of systems and policies in the country. However much of the burden emanates from the rapid growth of learning institutions. University colleges have spread across Libya and a ban of foreign language in Libya has played a central role in stressing the higher education system. The paper aims to present a comprehensive insight with references to the higher education system in Libya and how policy and administration backed by political nuances have caused the current situation that has affected the quality of the education. The methods used in the paper include: literature review, policy document content analysis, quality assurance policies analysis. Research shows that there is a significant gap in higher education levels. This means, there is an urgent need to address this by filling this gap. The paper draws from a wide range research ideal recommendations and possible solutions for problems.

The construction of parents and teachers as agents for the improvement of municipal schools in Chile

This article examines how teachers and parents in 10 municipal schools serving students growing up under conditions of social vulnerability represented themselves, and others, as valid agents for charting school improvement. In four schools parents and teachers saw each other as trustworthy and collaborating to provide an education that could transform students’ life chances. In the other six schools, social relations were marked by distrust, staff constructed students as lacking the resources necessary to benefit from a rigorous academic programme, and parents in leadership positions shared with teachers the belief that school failure could largely be attributed to uncommitted parents. These results suggest that the impact of quality assurance policies tends to be associated with the social capital of municipal schools, thus educational policy needs to consider developing and strengthening social capital within schools.

The Quality of Accounting Education: A Malaysian Perspective

The aim of the paper is to present the findings of empirical research that addresses the perception, and motives regarding quality of accounting education from the perspective of Malaysian students. Prior to this research the lack of information regarding quality of accounting education from the students' perspective allowed the educational bodies to accept the quality attributes of other stakeholders on students' behalf. This situation had always the potential to emerge the massive conflict among students and other stakeholders considering the role conflicting theory. Therefore, the research findings not only enhance the understanding of quality attributes from students' perspective but also provides the informative input for the design and implementation of syllabus, quality assurance systems and policies. It probes the students' quality perception and their motivational factors, through survey methodology and further elaborates by using Pearson correlation and statistical regression to achieve the significance of research. The findings reveal that all the previously defined quality notions (exception, perfection, fitness for purpose, value for money and transformation) are almost equally important (with negligible difference) and preserve their significance in the field of accountancy. It also discloses that the career aspiration and economic factors are not the only influencing motivational factors but the intrinsic factors, such as self- interest and aptitude are also important to be considered. Therefore, the foremost implication is to view the quality as a holistic approach rather than individually i.e. equal proportion of all the quality notions from the perspective of students. Other implication of the research is at the policy level, i.e. to view the quality notion, 'fitness for purpose', in a broad sense at 'national-structural level', and when we move down to individual level via organizational level, it should be narrowed down accordingly to examine each quality notion separately so that to extensively identify each quality attribute.

The selectivity of translation: accountability regimes in Chilean and South African higher education

This paper examines the translation of global educational norms of quality assurance in two countries with very different regulatory regimes in higher education: Chile and South Africa. The translation process is conceptualised here as a contested socio‐political process of appropriation and creation of meaning. Drawing upon the strategic–relational concept of selectivity, the paper argues that quality assurance policies have become a hegemonic tool for re‐organising higher education because a variety of – partly contradictory – meanings and interests can be attached to them: quality assurance is linked to rationales such as democratic transformation, re‐establishing public governance, strengthening market governance, contributing to national competitiveness, internationalisation of higher education or positioning universities in the (global) education market. Looking at the translation of quality assurance policies with the concept of selectivity enables us to see how structure, agency, discourses and scales operate strategically‐selectively in creating compromises between different interests in higher education governance.

Impact of quality assurance policies in higher education programs: an exploratory study.

This research was aimed to describe the perception of academic units' managers about the impact that participation has on accreditation processes and to compare impact profiles according to different categories. To that end, 95 careers accredited by Comisión Nacional de Acreditación de Pregrado (CNAP) between 2001 and 2006 completed an online questionnaire. Careers were classified into a taxonomy combining two criteria: (1) number of years of accreditation and (2) number of careers accredited in the institution. This classification differentiates 4 groups organized around a continuum defined by these criteria. According to results, we can conclude that there are few significant differences among careers. Those of Category 1 tend to perceive more changes attributable to the accreditation process in some factors. Careers of category 4 tend to consider certain changes as less important. All of them consider that innovations applied to supporting mechanisms for students are positive.

A ‘Quality Revolution’ Constrained? A Critical Reflection on Quality Assurance Methodology from the South African Higher Education Context

ABSTRACT This paper attempts a brief meta‐reflection on quality assurance policy and practice in South African higher education, with a focus on methodology. More specifically it seeks to answer the question ‘What are the effects of the Higher Education Quality Committee’s (HEQC) quality assurance technologies on institutional practice and how could they be more effective in achieving its mandate?’ This question is pursued with regard to the failure of the quality assurance system to impact significantly on the graduation rates of African South African students, despite the South African government’s (and thus the HEQC’s) explicit ‘transformation agenda’ for higher education.

Break Down the Wall Between QA and IT

Break Down the Wall Between QA and IT

Radiotherapy for Oncologic Emergencies on Weekends: Examining Reasons for Treatment and Patterns of Practice at a Canadian Cancer Centre

Radiotherapy for oncologic emergencies is an important aspect of the management of cancer patients. These emergencies-which include malignant spinal cord compression, brain metastases, superior vena cava obstruction, and uncontrolled tumour hemorrhage -may require treatment outside of hospital hours, particularly on weekends and hospital holidays. To date, there remains no consensus among radiation oncologists regarding the indications and appropriateness of radiotherapy treatment on weekends, and treatment decisions remain largely subjective. The main aim of the present study was to document the incidence and indications for patients receiving emergency treatment on weekends or scheduled hospital holidays at a single institution. The secondary aim was to investigate the compliance of such treatment with the institution's quality assurance policies, both local and provincial. From September 1, 2002, to September 30, 2004, patients being treated over weekends (defined as commencing at 6 pm on a Friday and concluding at 8 am of the next scheduled workday) and hospital holidays were retrospectively identified using the Oncology Patient Information System scheduling module. Relevant patient data-including patient age, sex, primary cancer site, specific radiation field, rationale for treatment, referring hospital, total treatment dose, radiation dose fractionation, inpatient or outpatient status, and duration of treatment-were collected and subsequently analyzed. Comparison to local policy was performed subjectively. Over the 2-year period, 161 patients were prescribed urgent radiotherapy over a weekend or on a hospital holiday. Of this cohort, 68% were treated on both Saturday and Sunday, 22% on Saturday alone, and 10% on Sunday alone. Most patients presented with lung (31%), prostate (18%), and breast cancer (17%). The top reasons for referral for emergency weekend treatment included spinal cord compression (56%), brain metastases (15%), and superior vena cava obstruction (6%). Most of the indications for treatment generally followed the quality assurance policies implemented both locally and provincially. Patients treated over a weekend or on a hospital holiday were generally found to be treated with appropriate intent. Most treatment indications within this study both complied with provincial policy and showed a pattern of care similar to that seen in other studies in the literature. Local policy appears to be robust; however, policy improvements may allow for more cohesiveness across radiation oncologists in patterns of care in this important group of patients. Comparisons with practice at other institutions would be valuable and also a key step in developing sound guidelines for all members of the radiotherapy community to follow.

AUKŠTŲJŲ NEUNIVERSITETINIŲ STUDIJŲ KOKYBĖS UŽTIKRINIMAS ŠIŲ INSTITUCIJŲ PEDAGOGŲ POŽIŪRIU

Lithuania having joined the European Union and seeking the education acquired in Lithuania to be internationally recognized, the necessity emerged to match the education standards with the systems of vocational training in European countries. The project plan (2002-2006) of the development of higher education in Lithuania states that the quality assurance is a top priority. The emphasis is laid on the fact that the quality assurance of higher education should not lack behind the one in the developed European countries. The quality assurance of higher education has been under discussion in the few recent years. How should be the studies organized in order to train students to be able to compete in the labor market of the dynamically developing European countries? To determine the dimensions and standards of the education quality that are common to Lithuanian universities and colleges it is essential to regard the worldwide experience and to apply it in the context of our country. The importance has been laid on the quality assurance at the European universities for the recent 10 years. The subsequent organizations were established in different countries all over the world. A number of the agencies dealing with the quality assurance of higher education started the network partnership. The established Centre for Quality Assessment in higher education plays a major role for implementing the external quality assurance policy in universities and colleges of Lithuania by contributing to the development of human resources. The object of this research is to reveal the educators’ attitudes at Marijampolė and Utena colleges towards the establishment of the quality assurance system at college. The research was done in November, 2004 at Marijampole and Utena colleges. There were 120 educator respondents at Marijampole College and 50 respondents at Utena College. 146 of them were lecturers and 24 were the administrative staff. The research done, the conclusions were made that the communities comprising the lecturers as well as the administrative staff of the colleges are concerned about the quality assurance of higher education and studies. The quality of higher non-university studies is being continuously assessed. Moreover, the system of quality assurance is being continuously developed. The educators both at Marijampole and Utena Colleges positively assess their input into the successive performance of the institutions taking an active part in making decisions related to the improvement of the inner system of quality assurance at the institutions. Key words: quality of studies, college, education.

Understanding quality assurance: a cross country case study

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the level of understanding between an Australian university and its offshore partner institution, on quality assurance. It attempts to highlight the dynamics of quality assurance policy implementation within and across institutions for an offshore degree.Design/methodology/approachThe study used interviews as the research method to gather data from the Business school of a university that is a major exporter of higher education degrees and its offshore business partner, a business school of a private university college in Malaysia.FindingsThe findings show that gaps exist in the current practices of quality assurance measures in Malaysia. In addition, top‐level management from both sides of the exchange believe that the university should bear the overall responsibility for quality assurance. However, the findings also reveal that such heavy reliance on the university for quality assurance might not be healthy, especially when the university's own policy implementation is suffering internal problems.Practical implicationsFor governments and various agencies the insights in the paper will be useful in creating better policy. At an institutional level, the findings will assist in the formulation and implementation of such policies.Originality/valueThis paper will be useful to stakeholders in the offshore education industry. It provides an insight into the regulatory and auditing practices commissioned by the government and highlights the various gaps and challenges in quality assurance policy.

Surveillance microbiologique des échantillons de laits infantiles et des surfaces dans une biberonnerie hospitalière

Analyze the microbiological quality of reconstituted milk formulas and the surface hygiene in a hospital infant formula room, in the context of a worldwide emergence of Enterobacter sakazakii infections. Over 3.5 years, monthly samples of reconstituted milk formulas as well as quarterly infant formula room surface samples were taken for bacteriological analysis. Of the 156 formulas analyzed, 54 carried microorganisms but no pathogenic bacteria. The presence of Bacillus species was found in 54% of the formulas for premature infants and in 19% of the other formulas (significant difference). Bacteria, probably brought by operators during reconstitution of the powdered formulas, were found in four of 156 samples (two negative-coagulase staphylococcus, one alpha-hemolytic streptococcus, and one Clostridium bifermentans). Surfaces were studied using 117 samples divided into 11 series: 4.3% of the points carried pathogenic bacteria (Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bulhkholderia cepacia, Staphylococcus aureus). The presence of Bacillus species should be analyzed thoroughly so as to differentiate Bacillus cereus from other nonpathogenic species. The microbiological analysis techniques used for reconstituted infant formulas can be simplified. The quality of the infant formulas seems satisfactory. Hygiene practices provide good microbiological quality in reconstituted infant milk formulas. Microbiological monitoring of these preparations and the infant formula room surfaces is an important aspect of the quality assurance policy, which makes it possible to take corrective measures when an unsatisfactory result is found.

‘We are doing well on QAE’: the case of Sweden

The paper analyses quality assurance and evaluation (QAE) policy and activities in mandatory schooling at national level in Sweden. Two studies are reported: a textual analysis of national policy documents concerning QAE, and an interview study conducted with national policy brokers. Questions addressed are: What are the characteristics of Swedish QAE activities? What European and international ideas on QAE are considered relevant to Swedish national policy? To what degree is international QAE policy disseminated across the Swedish school system? And, does Sweden influence international QAE policy in any way? QAE activities are analysed in relation to the European Union’s and international organisations’ efforts to influence national education policy. Results show that Sweden was historically early equipped with means to control quality in schooling. By the end of the 1990s, there was a marked increase in national regulations, increasing the number of QAE activities directed at Swedish schooling. The development of QAE in Sweden, therefore, has been related to a shift in governing policies and practices towards governing by objectives and results; and national QAE policies have successively strengthened this governing doctrine. Finally, Swedish national brokers maintain an image of doing quite well on QAE policy and practice compared to other European countries.